Mixing of an ultra high-

performance fiber-
Bogdan CAZACLIU * reinforced concrete
Laboratoire central
des ponts et chaussées
Ahmed LOUKILI ■ RÉSUMÉ
Boualem ABDI L’évolution de la puissance de malaxage et des propriétés du béton frais (mini-
Institut de recherche en génie civil et mécanique(GeM),
cône, V-Funnell et maniabilimètre) et du béton durci (résistance en flexion et en
École centrale de Nantes
compression, module élastique, masse volumique) a été étudiée pour différents
Robert LE ROY
Laboratoire analyse des matériaux et identification (LAMI), protocoles de malaxage d’un béton fibré à ultra-hautes performances dans
ENPC/LCPC un malaxeur de laboratoire. L’analyse des mesures montre que le temps de
malaxage est le paramètre dominant, mais que d’autres paramètres de fabrication
influencent les propriétés mécaniques du béton produit. La prolongation du temps
de malaxage en présence des fibres entraîne une augmentation de la teneur
en air. L’introduction des fibres avant celle de la phase liquide génère une perte
notable des propriétés mécaniques du béton. Une vitesse d’agitation trop grande
ou trop petite conduit à des hétérogénéités. Un protocole de fabrication est enfin
sélectionné parmi les variantes analysées.

Mixing of an ultra high-performance fiber-reinforced concrete

* CORRESPONDING AUTHOR:
Bogdan CAZACLIU
bogdan.cazacliu@lcpc.fr
■ ABSTRACT
The evolution in mixing power and in the properties of both fresh concrete (mini-
cone, V-Funnell and workability meter) and hardened concrete (bending strength
and compressive strength, elastic modulus, mass density) has been examined for
various mixing protocols using an ultra high-performance fiber-reinforced concrete
within a laboratory mixer. The analysis of measurements indicates that mixing time
is the predominant parameter, yet other production parameters also influence the
mechanical properties of the resultant concrete. Extending the mixing time in the
presence of fibers causes an increase in air content. The introduction of fibers
prior to the liquid phase engenders a significant loss in the sample’s mechanical
properties. An excessive or insufficient agitation speed leads to heterogeneities.
A concrete fabrication protocol is ultimately selected from among the variants
submitted for analysis.

INTRODUCTION
Ultra-high-performance fiber-reinforced concretes (UHPFRC) are cementitious composites, whose
complex mix design is aimed at optimizing the interaction of constituents at the mesoscopic
scale and offers extremely attractive rheological properties in comparison with conventional con-
cretes [1]. Such mixes seek not only certain mechanical properties (strength, ductility, durability) at
the upper limit of what each component can attain, but also casting conditions facilitated by the self-
compacting characteristic of the fresh concrete. The introduction of an effective meso-structural
arrangement (dispersion and wetting of fine particle agglomerates, distribution of fibers) requires an
efficient homogenization process over a preferably shorter duration. For these materials therefore,
the mixing phase takes on critical importance. To obtain a well-controlled set of mechanical charac-

BLPC • n°261-262 • avril/mai/juin 2006 107

 teristics, it appears necessary to analyze both the sequences for implementing components and the
mixing system, with the objective of reducing mixing time while ensuring mixing efficiency.

The small added value and ease of fabrication for the most widespread materials have dissuaded
performing more in-depth research on concrete mixing. Reference should nonetheless be made
to studies conducted by Shalon [2], Johansson [3], Beitzel [4,5], Charonnat [6,7] and Tamimi [8],
without overlooking those undertaken by Abrams towards the beginning of the 20th century.

The relatively recent appearance of new concrete families, such as high-performance and self-com-
pacting, has revealed a lack of knowledge in this field, particularly as regards mixing. The devel-
opment of self-compacting concretes, which have become very popular over the past few years
and utilize some of the existing means of production, has entailed a complex set of steps. Studies
devoted to refining fabrication processes have been underway across several countries. In France,
the Ponts et Chaussées National Laboratory, which is equipped with an industrial-scale mixing test
facility [9], has carried out several projects on this topic [10-12]. It was shown that the current level
of precision at ready-to-mix plants might not be adequate, with the critical point hinging upon water
content in the mix. Moreover, higher resistance mix designs prove more costly and necessitate, in
most instances, longer mixing times than for ordinary concretes.

The difficulties encountered during mixing of ultra-high-performance fiber-reinforced concretes

(UHPFRC) are still substantial. These products, which have now begun to penetrate their respective
market segments, undoubtedly give rise to a new challenge in industrial manufacturing; their fab-
rication most often takes place at a plant, where controls and repeatability are easier to implement.
To ensure that the current lack of productivity does not hamper the development of such products,
detailed studies are still required to propose improved mixing protocols, i.e.: order for introducing
components, mixing time for the various transient levels regarding both composition and mixing
intensity.

An experimental laboratory study has focused on a number of mixing parameters for a given
UHPFRC (presented in [13-15]), in the aim of selecting a mixing protocol that incorporates various
parameters involved in the mixing process: mixing time, component introduction sequences, and
mixing intensity. The objective herein is to ensure that homogenization occurs fast enough and that
the most advantageous product characteristics are obtained in terms of workability and mechanical
strength.

EXPERIMENTAL CAMPAIGNS

■ materials
› Constituents
The granular skeleton of the test concretes is composed of Fontainebleau sand featuring a 0-400 µm
granular range, a CEM1 52.5 PMES HTS Portland cement from the Le Teil plant, and a non-com-
pacted white SEPR silica fume. The addition of silica fume is intended to improve mix fluidity, by
means of filling the voids between cement grains; also, it yields higher compressive strength values
thanks to the inherent pozzolanic properties.

In order to reduce the water proportion while maintaining satisfactory workability, a superplasti-
cizer produced from polycarboxylic ether-based polymers is used.

Steel fibers sold by the company SODETAL are cylindrical, straight, 10 mm long and 200 µm in
diameter. They display a tensile strength of 2,000 MPa and a Young’s modulus of 200 GPa.

› Mix design
In the search for a favorable mixing protocol, the hypothesis has been adopted that the length of
mixing time with fibers must be as short as possible. This hypothesis will be verified in the second

108 BLPC • n°261-262 • avril/mai/juin 2006

 part of the study. The first part seeks to identify a matrix mixing protocol (i.e. mixing intensity and
mixing time parameters) that yields attractive flow properties (important in ensuring the rapid dis-
persion of fibers upon introduction) and mechanical strength properties (to avoid additional mixing
with fibers).

Designs of the matrix alone and of the fiber-reinforced concrete (UHPFRC) are given in Table 1.
This composition indicates: a strong concentration of both cement and silica fume (26% of cement
mass); a low water/binder (cement + silica fume) ratio, which amounts to roughly 0.14; and a fiber
volume content equal to 5%, i.e. 16% in mass terms. In addition, a very high superplasticizer content
is detected since the self-compacting characteristic of the concrete has been designed in to the mix.

The theoretical mass density for a zero air content equals 2.77 kg/dm3 for the fiber-reinforced con-
crete and 2.45 kg/dm3 for the matrix alone.

Table 1
Mix design of the studied Matériaux Super-
Cement Silica fume Sand Fibers Total water
materials (kg/m3) plasticizer

Matrix 1,267.4 329.5 883.2 0 33.9* 228.5

UHPFRC 1,051.1 273.3 732.5 468 28.1* 189.5

* in the aqueous phase.

■ Production process
› Mixer
The concretes results from mixes produced using an EIRICH R08W mixer with a maximum capac-
ity of 75 liters (see Fig. 1); this set-up has been used herein for 40-liter mixes.

Figure 1
The EIRICH R08 mixer

BLPC • n°261-262 • avril/mai/juin 2006 109

 The mixer unit comprises:

– a rotating vessel, that allows for rotational movement at two speeds: 0.38 rev/sec (V1), and
0.77 rev/sec (V2);
– a star-shaped agitator fitted with teeth all around the periphery; this device is capable of rotating
in the same or opposite direction as the rotating vessel, at a variable speed ranging between 0.5 and
8.33 rev/sec;
– a fixed scraper for moving mix material back towards the center of the mixer; and
– an emptying tap in the middle of the vessel bottom.

As part of this experimental campaign, four mixing speed combinations (called mixing configura-
tions) were selected: slow rotating vessel speed with an agitator speed of either 1.67 or 4.17 rev/sec
(V1-2 or V1-4); and fast rotating vessel speed with an agitator speed of 4.17 or 8.33 rev/sec (V2-4
or V2-8). Under all conditions, the agitator turns in the direction opposite that of the rotating ves-
sel. The various rotational speeds encompass the potential range of industrial use associated with
EIRICH brand mixers.

Extrapolating mixing results obtained in the laboratory to an industrial scale proves to be a compli-
cated step. The type of mixing provided by EIRICH mixers is better suited than others to extrapolat-
ing the recorded laboratory trends, thanks to the enhanced geometric scaling.

› Mixing steps
For tests conducted on the matrix, the cement, silica fume and dry sand were all pre-mixed for
60 sec (i.e. pre-mixing time). The pre-mixed water and superplasticizer were then inserted into the
mixer (this step requires approximately 20 sec). The resulting composition was mixed for either 60,
120, 300 or 600 sec. This (wet) mixing time was counted as of when the water and superplasticizer
start to be added.

Once results had been analyzed, mixer configuration V2-4 was chosen to produce three fiber-rein-
forced concrete mixes according to three distinct protocols. The objective of this approach consists
of verifying the hypothesis of an advantageous impact from a shorter mixing time with fibers.
During the first mix, fibers were introduced at the same time as the other dry components, which
meant that fibers underwent all of the mixing phases. The wet mixing time was 390 sec. For the
other two mixes, fibers were inserted after 60 sec of dry pre-mixing and 300 sec of wet mixing.
Fibers were incorporated into the matrix by mixing for 90 or 180 sec, respectively (this mixing time
included the time required for fiber introduction, i.e. approximately 15 sec).

From a general standpoint, it should be noted that a set mixing time and fiber introduction time
actually lie towards the lower range of values practiced industrially for similar products (given the
smaller volume, these experimental introduction rates are substantially less than those attained by
industrial equipment).

■ Measurements performed during mixing

The mixer's power consumption is measured by means of a wattmeter and recorded on a continu-
ous basis. The output signal range of the wattmeter is 0-10 volts. Power measurements serve as
comparative values among the various mixing times and mixer compositions (consequently, signal
measurements are not converted into power units).

The power recorded is that required to move the mixing device and does not include power con-
sumed by the rotating vessel. This analysis focuses on the output power consumed by the agitator.
Determining output power reveals the power recorded with the mixer empty. This idling power
depends upon the device's rotational speed (i.e. 87.2 mV for 1 rev/sec with a correlation coefficient
of 0.998).

110 BLPC • n°261-262 • avril/mai/juin 2006

 ■ Concrete characterization
› Concrete in the fresh state
The characterization of concrete rheology in the fresh state is conducted by a slump test using a
mini-cone, sized to be half as big as the Abrams cone. As a complement, flow time gets measured
by implementing two different tests. Matrix characterization entails use of the V-Funnel for mortar
(see Fig. 2), and flow properties of the fiber-reinforced concrete are characterized with the LCL
workability meter.

Five mini-cone slump measurements were taken for each matrix batch run. In all other cases (slump
of fiber-reinforced concretes, flow time from the V-Funnel or workability meter), the tests were
performed just once.

Figure 2
The V-Funnel testing
equipment for use on fresh
concrete

› Concrete in the hardened state

Bending tensile strength is measured on six specimens 4 × 4 × 16 cm3 in size after 14 days of curing
in water at 20°C.

Before proceeding with the bending test, specimens are measured and weighed (to calculate their
mass density), then their dynamic elastic modulus is derived with a non-destructive measurement
device (called the “GrindoSonic”). Specimens are excited by a slight mechanical impulse, which
serves to create a transient vibration, determined by both the geometry and physical properties of
the sample. A piezoelectric detector identifies the natural vibration and then transforms it into an
electrical signal. Results appear as a resonance frequency expressed in Hertz. The device comes

BLPC • n°261-262 • avril/mai/juin 2006 111

 equipped with a software program that converts these frequencies into elasticity modulus values by
use of a model based on the theory of free vibrations.

Following bending failure, both fragments of each 4 × 4 cm2 specimen are crushed (without any
surfacing); this step yields the compressive strength (12 values for a single mix). All mechanical
tests (bending and compression) are force-guided.

■ Experimental program
The set of 16 matrices produced and 3 UHPFRC mixes (matrix plus fibers), along with the charac-
terization tests, are presented in Table 2 below.

Table 2 Test code Mix Mixing Wet mixing Tests on fresh Tests on hard-
Identification of both namei design configuration (including fibers) concrete ened concrete
production protocols and
characterization tests V1-2-1 V1-2

V1-4-1 V1-4
60 sec (-)
V2-4-1 V2-4

V2-8-1 V2-8

V1-2-2 V1-2
on 6 specimens
V1-4-2 V1-4
120 sec (-) elastic modulus,
V2-4-2 V2-4 M
4 or 5 slumps
V2-8-2 V2-8 with a mini-cone mass density, mv
Matrix
V1-2-5 V1-2
V-Funnel flow bending strength,
V1-4-5 V1-4 Rf
300 sec (-)
V2-4-5 V2-4 compressive
strength, Rc
V2-8-5 V2-8

V1-2-10 V1-2

V1-4-10 V1-4
600 sec (-))
V2-4-10 V2-4

V2-8-10 V2-8

F6,5 390 sec (390 sec)

mini-cone,
Idem
5F1,5 UHPFRC V2-4 390 sec (90 sec) workability
on 3 specimens
meter
5F3 480 sec (180 sec)

RESULTS

■ Mixing power
The recording of instantaneous mixing power among the 16 matrix production protocols (see Fig. 3)
highlights the first minute of “dry” pre-mixing, followed by the introduction of liquid components
and then emptying of the mixer (drop in power after a mixing time of 1, 2, 5 or 10 minutes).
For the wet mixing sequence, three phases may be distinguished. Incorporating the liquid compo-
nents first engenders a sizable increase in mixing power, most likely due to an increase in inter-par-
ticle cohesion (unsaturated granular material). The mix then gradually transforms into a granular
suspension (saturated granular material), a transformation that may be associated with the power
decrease necessary for mixing. Once this “fluidity” has been obtained, the power decline slows.
This new mixing stage is likely a phenomenon of the dispersion or wetting of fines and very fine
particles in a fluid submitted to the combined effect of liquid component homogenization and shear
in the mixer.

112 BLPC • n°261-262 • avril/mai/juin 2006

 Figure 3
Evolution in instantaneous
mixing power (output in
volts, not converted into
watts) for the sixteen
matrix production
protocols

For all output mixes, it should be noted that mixing power does not stabilize definitively during the
production process. When the vessel is rotating slowly, power drops monotonically with mixing
time after the fluidization zone. For the fastest vessel rotating speed, a stabilization and slight rise
in power with time are observed prior to another decrease.

According to the slowest mixer configuration (V1-2), two power peaks are apparent. It is presumed
that the liquid components, which move less quickly inside the vessel, make a second arrival in the
mixing zone before mix homogenization has become sufficient. A visual analysis substantiates this
hypothesis. The concrete produced from this configuration displays unwetted solid material zones
(visible macroscopic heterogeneities), while emptying arises when mixing power rapidly drops.

For the most intense mixing configuration (V2-8), a loss of repeatability in the power recording can
be remarked, in comparison with the other mixing configurations. For the four targeted production
protocols, the power decrease is not monotonic (during the fines dispersion phase). In this instance,
it is presumed that the very fast rotational speed produces segregation within the newly-formed
granular suspension before a permanent flow state can be attained inside the mixer.

The power measured during fiber-reinforced concrete production is depicted in Figure 4. An indi-
cation is provided in the same figure, for reference purposes, of the power recorded during the
V2-4-10 matrix production protocol, carried out using the same mixer configuration but without
fibers.

The presence of fibers considerably increases mixer power consumption (an approximate doubling
for the mixes studied). When fibers are introduced before adding the mixing water, the peak power
the mixer must be able to supply becomes extremely high.

BLPC • n°261-262 • avril/mai/juin 2006 113

 ■ Tests conducted on the matrix
The influence of mixing time and mixer configuration on the properties of both fresh concrete and
hardened concrete has been shown in Figure 5.

Figure 4
Evolution in instantaneous
mixing power (output
not converted, in volts)
during three UHPFRC
batch productions, and
the matrix within the same
mixing configuration
(V2-4)

Figure 5
Influence of mixing time
and mixer configuration on
matrix properties both in
the fresh state (mini-cone
slump and V-Funnel flow
time) and after hardening
(bending and compressive
strengths, mass density and
elastic modulus

114 BLPC • n°261-262 • avril/mai/juin 2006

 › Flow properties
On the fresh concrete, mini-cone slump measurements are consistent with those of flow time using
the V-Funnel. By considering five characterization zones for each of these tests (Table 3), a single
significant inversion in the ranking of production protocols can be observed (i.e. V1-4-5). It may be
noted that for this experimental campaign, the slump test is more accurate in characterizing fresh
concrete: the slump value shown in Table 3 is actually the average of several measurements for
each production protocol, whereas just a single flow time measurement has been derived. Moreover,
longer flow times (> 100 sec) tend to reflect matrix blocking in the V-Funnel device, with no dis-
crimination possible between the respective production protocols.

Table 3
Mini-cone slump Flow time
Ranking of production
(cm) through the V-Funnel (sec)
protocols with flow
measurements V1-2-1 14.8 V1-2-1 > 100
< 16 > 100
V1-2-2 16.1 V1-2-2 > 100

V2-4-1 16.5 V1-4-2 100

V1-4-1 17.3 V2-4-2 90

16-19 60-100
V1-4-2 17.9 V1-4-1 80

V2-4-2 18.6 V2-4-1 75

V1-2-5 21.0 V1-2-5 58

19-22 V2-8-2 21.1 50-60 V2-8-1 55

V2-8-1 21.4 V2-8-2 51

V1-4-5 23.5 V1-2-10 50

22-25 V2-4-5 23.7 40-50 V2-4-10 43

V1-2-10 24.6 V2-4-5 42

V1-4-10 25.8 V2-8-10 40

V2-8-5 25.8 V2-8-5 39

> 25 < 40
V2-8-10 25.9 V1-4-5 38

V2-4-10 25.9 V1-4-10 38

Significant improvements in matrix flow properties (greater slump, shorter flow time) have been
observed with the increase in mixing time and agitator angular velocity. In order to assess the influ-
ence of various mixer configurations, the average slump test standard deviation1 is compared with
the average difference between the two configurations (average absolute deviation values between
the two configurations, for a given mixing time). As regards slump, the difference between configu-
rations V1-4 and V2-4 (with the same agitator rotational speed but different vessel speeds) is less
than the average test standard deviation (0.46 cm vs. 0.57 cm). A graphical analysis of flow times
suggests similar results (the average test standard deviation is not available). The conclusion may
be drawn that changes in flow properties with mixing time remain independent of vessel rotational
speed and only seem to depend on agitator rotational speed. As mixing intensity increases, flow
increases (see comparison between configurations V1-2 and V1-4 and between V2-4 and V2-8).

1
The average standard deviation is determined for all repeated measurements during this experimental campaign,
i.e.: slump, mass density, bending strength, compressive strength, and elastic modulus. In each production protocol (16
configurations in all), deviation is found between two successive measurements (for the slump, five measurements were
conducted for each configuration, making for four deviation observations). The variance in these deviations s∆2 is then used
to calculate the average standard deviation s by means of the statistical relationship: s ∼ s∆/.

BLPC • n°261-262 • avril/mai/juin 2006 115

 The trend with respect to mixing time shows that at least 5 minutes of wet mixing are necessary to
obtain desirable flow properties (i.e. near the maximum values observed during this experimental
campaign). It would also be preferable not to use the V1-2 mixer configuration.

› Properties of hardened concrete

The improvement in flow properties is well correlated with the increase in mass density of the
hardened concrete (correlation coefficient: 0.89 - see Fig. 6). It may be surmised that the gradual
disappearance of fines agglomeration, which leads to greater slump, also induces a decrease in the
amount of air held within these agglomerations. As regards mass density however and as opposed
to flow properties, vessel rotational speed constitutes an influential factor, whereas no effect is
apparent when changing agitator angular velocity (Fig. 5). The average difference between con-
figurations V1-2 and V1-4 and between V2-4 and V2-8 equals 11 and 4 g/dm3, respectively, i.e.
values lying below the average test standard deviation (18 g/dm3). Moreover, the difference in mass
density between configurations with slow and fast vessel rotational speeds is twice this threshold
(35 g/dm3). The systematic nature of this difference (mass density systematically increases with
vessel rotational speed) allows concluding the presence of a correlation between vessel rotational
speed and mass density. A 1-minute mixing time for configurations V2-4 and V2-8 has not been
considered herein, as the resultant deviation (91 g/dm3) was deemed atypical.

Figure 6
Correlation between mass
density of the hardened
matrix and mini-cone
slump

The average standard deviation derived from mass density measurements amounts to approximately
1% of the measured value. The compressive strength and bending strength tests are found to be less
precise (around 6% for compression and 10% for bending). It appears impossible to demonstrate
mixer configuration influence by means of these results. Should an influence truly exist, it would
have to be limited. The noteworthy exception is the short mixing time (1 minute), which causes the
slow vessel speed to negatively affect compressive strength. Like for mass density, agitator rota-
tional speed would not seem to exert any influence.

The elastic modulus determinations do not contribute any new elements to this evaluation of mixer
configuration influence.

A 2-minute wet mixing seems sufficient to obtain compressive and tensile strength values within
the upper range of measurement results from this testing campaign. The increase in density at a wet
mixing time of 5 minutes makes longer mixing more attractive. In exceeding 5 minutes however,
the hardened concrete properties either deteriorate or stagnate. This degradation is evident (a drop
of roughly 30%) for compressive strength at a mixing time of 10 minutes, regardless of mixer
configuration. Such loss of strength cannot be explained by specimen porosity (as density reaches
a maximum after 10 minutes of mixing). For the matrix alone, water content without a doubt is too

116 BLPC • n°261-262 • avril/mai/juin 2006

 high. Once the dispersion of fines is well advanced (extended mixing time), the material potentially
becomes unstable.

› Choice of protocol
During UHPFRC production, the objective lies in obtaining a matrix with adequate fluidity prior to
introducing fibers, without any loss in mechanical properties. A wet mixing time (without fibers)
of 5 minutes is chosen for mixer configuration V2-4. This configuration guarantees a rapid rise in
compressive strength as well as a slump that varies with mixing time, while avoiding the instabili-
ties observed on the power curve in the V2-8 configuration.

■ Tests conduced on fiber-reinforced concretes

› Flow properties
Measurements of both mini-cone slump and flow time with the workability meter demonstrate that
pre-mixing fibers with the other solid components before wet mixing (adopting a mixing time with
fibers of 390 sec; see Fig. 7) is highly detrimental to flow properties. For this production protocol,
the concrete obtained does not display the properties of a self-compacting concrete.

It should be pointed out that the measurements resulting from the two methods (mini-cone slump
and workability meter flow time) are very closely correlated.

Figure 7
Influence of mixing
time with fibers on
the properties of ultra
high-performance fiber-
reinforced concrete

› Hardened concrete properties

The additional mixing time with inclusion of fibers causes a pronounced decline in mass density
of the hardened concrete and thus an increase in material porosity. This drop in mass density is
well correlated with a decrease in workability, which may be explained by a relatively harmonious
arrangement of fibers within the mix for various mixing times with fibers. It could be anticipated
that a longer mixing time would serve to intertwine the fibers, and this would hinder concrete flow
(as confirmed by visual observation) and magnify air entrainment in fiber interstices (see density
measurements). The estimated air content in fiber-reinforced concrete, when deduced from the
actual density of dry hardened concrete, is nearly twice that deduced on the matrix.

BLPC • n°261-262 • avril/mai/juin 2006 117

 Air entrainment would explain the decrease in both elastic modulus and compressive strength. The
corrected compressive strength2, with respect to air content, remains practically unchanged from
one production protocol to the next. The maximum deviation among the three corrected compres-
sive strength values is 2.5 MPa, while the average test standard deviation on fiber-reinforced con-
crete equals 7.9 MPa.

It would be difficult to state any evolution with respect to the length of mixing time with fibers for
the bending strength. The maximum deviation between protocols (7.3 MPa) is indeed high, yet
still lies on the same order of magnitude as the average test standard deviation on fiber-reinforced
concrete (8.0 MPa). It should be noted however that the average standard deviation of the bending
strength test on concrete without fibers was substantially less (2.1 MPa).

DISCUSSION
It has been observed that longer mixing times do not systematically lead to an improvement in
mechanical properties. It would not seem useful therefore to extend mixing beyond 5 minutes. After
this length of time, the bulk of flow properties have already been acquired and all measured prop-
erties of hardened concrete attain their maximum values: compressive strength, bending strength,
density, elastic modulus. Degradation of the fiber meso-structure as a function of mixing time
constitutes another key finding; this degradation produces a sizable decrease in flow properties and
generates air entrainment with the effect of lowering compressive strength and elastic modulus.

Optimized mixing times would thus be 5 minutes for the matrix, followed by 1½ minutes for fiber
incorporation and mixing. It is possible that matrix mixing time could be shortened by the amount
of mixing time with fibers, but this particular procedure has not been tested as part of the research
project. A reduction in the mixing time with fibers also warrants study, provided that the introduc-
tion of fibers under satisfactory conditions (addition of dispersed fibers) can take place fast enough.
It should also be kept in mind that dry mixing time has been held constant throughout the tests.

Inserting fibers during dry mixing has not yielded any promising results, which remains consistent
with standard practice and with the previous conclusion that recommends reducing the mixing
time with fibers. Many other aspects related to the fiber inclusion sequence merit investigation.
Deferring the introduction of liquid admixtures, for example, is a protocol often applied in practice.
The likely lengthening of total mixing time could be compensated by generating a better set of
use properties (self-compacting concrete with less water, hence enhanced mechanical properties);
nonetheless, this would depend on the chemical nature of the admixture (fixed for our purposes
herein). Furthermore, a special study could be carried out on this aspect.

The four agitation speed combinations selected span a very broad range. In the low-speed configu-
ration V1-2, the material does not homogenize quickly enough, while the high-speed configura-
tion V2-8 apparently induces segregation within the newly-formed paste. While these two extreme
configurations are easy to dismiss, it is far trickier to decide upon the best combination of speeds
between the two remaining possibilities. Vessel speed V2 was chosen due to the quicker rise in
mechanical strength as a function of mixing time. Densities are also greater with vessel speed V2.

During matrix testing, it was noted that the flow properties of fresh concrete did not vary with vessel
rotational speed; instead, they are highly dependent upon agitator angular velocity. For hardened
concrete properties, a reverse phenomenon has been found: evolution in vessel rotational speed,
coupled with the apparent independence of agitator angular velocity. These contradictory obser-

2
The corrected compressive strength foc, which corresponds to a zero air-content concrete, is determined as a consequence
of Feret’s equation:

w
here fc is the measured compressive strength, Va the air volume proportion within the specimen, and Vc and Ve the volume
proportions of cement and water, respectively, in fresh concrete.

118 BLPC • n°261-262 • avril/mai/juin 2006

vations are indeed quite surprising. At this stage of the assessment, it could be assumed that the
evolution in mechanical properties is correlated with a process of water dispersion within the mix,
which even if it does not fully envelope each particle during mixing is still able to hydrate a reason-
ably-sized agglomerate in depth. Mechanical properties therefore are not submitted to insufficient
disaggregation, provided however that a certain level has been reached (let’s say 50 µm as an order
of magnitude). Such is not the case with flow properties, for which the ratio between smallest and
largest diameters exerts a major influence. For the slump to evolve over time, it is necessary for
the admixture to perform its dispersive role, meaning admixture distribution at a scale below that
indicated previously. It can be envisaged that the agitator motion produces a dispersive movement
at a scale below that generated by the vessel movement. A higher vessel rotational speed most
often pushes material onto the separator, i.e. here the agitator; a greater agitator angular velocity
then introduces more energy into the particle movement. These hypotheses will necessitate a more
detailed analysis.

Mixing time exerts a dominant influence compared to the mixing speed combination. This attribute
explains the strong correlation between density of the hardened concrete and slump of the fresh
concrete. These properties evolve similarly with respect to mixing time, which makes behavioral
differences negligible across mixing system parameters.

Another observation (though based on just a few measurements) is the excellent correlation between
flow time measurements (V-Funnel for the matrix and workability meter for the fiber-reinforced
concrete) and mini-cone slump. In theory, flow time is a characteristic basically tied to the viscos-
ity of fresh concrete, whereas slump is a magnitude more heavily correlated with its yield stress. A
simultaneous and same-order variation may be assumed for both the mixing protocol yield stress
and viscosity.

CONCLUSION
Among the protocols tested herein, the most attractive from the perspective of concrete properties
has been selected. The parameter seeming to govern the production process would be mixing time.
For the production protocol, 5 minutes of wet mixing appears to be sufficient for the matrix to attain
optimal mechanical properties. Extending the mixing time with fibers leads to a rise in air con-
tent and therefore to diminished mechanical properties of the hardened concrete. Other production
parameters may also influence the matrix mechanical properties. Excessive agitator speed generates
segregation in the granular skeleton, while insufficient speed necessitates longer matrix mixing
time. A combination of mixer speeds can exert differing influences on fresh and hardened concrete
properties. Moreover, introducing fibers before onset of the liquid phase results in a significant loss
in the eventual mechanical properties.

All leads for reducing total mixing time have not however been fully examined. Introducing fibers
after a shorter matrix mixing time could be one avenue. The deferred addition of superplasticizer
(whether totally or partially) into water would also warrant more in-depth analysis.

BLPC • n°261-262 • avril/mai/juin 2006 119

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